The Sunny Side



PHOTOGRAPHER CREDIT: 
The Sunny Side | A Southern garden party-inspired Big Day
Brittany Jordan & Thomas Robbins
April 27, 2024 / Residence on Clouter Creek
 
A drawn-out first date—“the longest either of us has ever been on”—quickly sparked a comfortable connection between Charlestonians Brittany Jordan and Thomas Robbins. “Being with her felt effortless, as if I had known her forever,” he recalls. Both valued a good sense of humor and strong family ties, which helped them fit right in with their future in-laws. So when Thomas popped the question two and a half years later, they could think of no better place to marry than her parent’s house on Clouter Creek. “Their home is where everyone gathers to have a great time,” says Brittany. “We joke that our friends come over to hang out with my parents just as much as, if not more than, us.”
 
The bride wished for an elegant Southern garden party, so Ash Events planner Ashley Pate Newkirk and Willow florist Jessie Johnson played up the springtime vibe. Bright white and sunny yellow blooms appeared in dainty bud vases and woven baskets while magnolia leaf garlands graced the tables and “Charleston Green” joggling board, which doubled as a guest book. Inverted umbrellas and patterned linens lent a whimsical touch inside the tent.
 
In true Lowcountry fashion, the backyard reception also included a raw oyster bar and custom bourbon bar built by the bride’s father. Brittany and Thomas even followed the Southern tradition of burying a bourbon bottle upside down—here, a rare special release of Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. 18-Year Marriage—one month prior to their nuptials to ensure good weather. And thanks to clear skies, guests were treated to a breathtaking drone light show prior to the couple’s sparker-led departure. But with the pool-turned-dance floor still rocking, “we just took a quick ride around the block and came right back to the party,” laughs Brittany. The night was simply too good to end.
 
Tips
 
  1. Lean on experts. The bride has a gluten allergy, so she turned to Rosemary & Rye for a menu that was both gluten-free and delicious. “Their pecan-encrusted chicken was an absolute standout,” raves Brittany. “When your grandmother goes back for thirds, you know it’s a hit!” 
  2. Hire a dog nanny. The couple’s fur baby, Ollie, was not to be missed at their nuptials. So they hired a helper to stay with Ollie when she wasn’t in pictures and take her to a boarding facility following the ceremony. 
  3. Bury the bottle. Bourbon is a beloved spirit for this duo. Exactly one month before the big day, they buried a full bottle (upside down for good weather), then dug it up at the reception to share with their wedding party and family. Her advice: bury it in a bag to avoid a mess. 
 
Vendors
Planning & Design: Caluna Event Design Collective, Ash Events
Photography: Magnolia Photography
Florals: Willow
Garland: SweetMagnoliaBliss Etsy shop
Catering & Bar: Rosemary & Rye
Rentals: CRUSH by EventWorks
Linens: Stradley Davidson Linen Collective
Lighting: LIT Charleston
Drone Light Show: Sky Elements Drones
Dance Floor: Pleat Systems
Calligraphy & Signage: Bree Moore Design & Calligraphy
Entertainment: The Midnight City Band
Bridal Attire: Essense of Australia (gown), Gown Boutique of Charleston (boutique)
Beauty: Galya Makeup Artistry
Groom’s Attire: The Black Tux, Brackish (tie)
Bridesmaids’ Attire: Azazie

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